Diabetes can damage the nerve endings of your foot which can reduce the sensation that you feel. This term is called peripheral neuropathy. When you have such condition you will have a hard time avoiding soft tissue injuries because of your insensitivity to pain.
Diabetes can also affect vascular health and affect the circulation of blood in your peripheries most especially in your feet; poor circulation could then equal to poor oxygenation and poor wound healing of the body part.
HOW CAN DIABETIC FOOT CARE AFFECT WOUND HEALING?
People with diabetes need specialized foot care for their wounds to properly heal. When wounds are not taken cared of well, the injuries might not heal quickly and infection may occur. A podiatrist is a specialist that can educate you and prepare you to manage your foot ailments.
Here are some quick tips to step up with your foot care;
- Have a podiatrist assess foot health at least twice a year
- Wash feet daily and dry deliberately especially areas between each toe
- Daily Foot Inspection; make sure to watch out for sores, cuts, bruises in all areas including the soles of your foot. Toes and toenails should also be checked.
- Make healthy lifestyle changes (loose weight, stop smoking, exercise and avoid excessive alcohol intake)
- Cut toenails straight across avoiding nail corners
- Corns and callus should not be removed without the advice of an expert preferably a podiatrist
- Always wear protective foot wear; avoid going barefoot even when at home
- Use good fitting footwear; shoes that are poorly fitted can be the cause of any foot problems for diabetes
- Avoid tight socks and hosiery; these may further impede foot circulation